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I can understand this, but what is the "MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL"? THAT'S what's at stake here. We can call it whatever one feels comfortable with, but there is STILL a Mystery, that WAS a MYSTERY, hid in God, until revealed to Paul. THAT we cannot change, no matter how much it hurts to admit. That would be a slap in God's face, HE'S the one that kept it hid in himself, and HE'S the one who decided WHO it would be revealed to and WHY.

BTW: Paul calls this MYSTERY of the gospel "the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24); "the preaching of the cross" (1 Cor. 1:18), and "my gospel"(Rom. 2:16, 16:25) and "the gospel of the uncircumcision"(Gal. 2:7) and "that gospel I preach amongst the Gentiles"(Gal. 2:2).

>> Paul calls this MYSTERY of the gospel "the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24)<<

Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

There you have it. The extent of the grace of God was not revealed until it was given to Paul. Throughout the Old Testament and through the death of Christ action was needed. There were sacrifices, feast days, circumcision and many other rules and conditions. Not until after Christ ascended to heaven and the Holy Spirit had been given was there any understanding of the free gift of salvation through no merit on man’s part. That was the revelation that was given to Paul. The other apostles didn't get that revelation untill Paul told them. That's why Peter said it was "hard to understand". The Jews didn’t understand the change that occurred at Christ’s death and resurrection and many Christians today don’t understand the change that occurred when the Holy Spirit was given. That was the revelation that was given to Paul.